At the start of every New Year, Design magazines and bloggers love to discuss Design Trends. The one good thing about Design trends is that they have a longer life span (8-10 years) than fashion trends (1-2 years). However, depending on what part of the country you live in will dictate if a particular trend is still “in” or “out”. New York City will most likely have moved on from a trend before say Cleveland (nothing against Cleveland, just saying).

I have read all the reports and to save you some time, here is a partial summary of what’s “hot”…(or not)… for 2012.

My friend Kristie the Decorologist wrote a great post about Elle Decor’s 2012 Trend Report that you can read here which generated a TON of comments. The thing about trends is that by the time most of us get on board with them they are almost “over”. So what is someone on a limited budget to do? We want our home to look current but don’t want it to look “trendy” or even worse, dated in a few years. My advice is to either buy what you love and forget about trends all together or invest in a few trendy accessories such as pillows or decorative items and then swap them out in a few years when the “trend” is over.

There are 2 trends though which I believe are here to stay. Both have been building in momentum and I would say it is now a huge movement with no turning back. I don’t have a single friend or client who isn’t on board with this first trend.

LIVING WITH LESS

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In my opinion the allure of the affordable “made in China” home decor is over. We are all decluttering, organizing and talking of downsizing. We are striving to live simpler, happier and healthier lives and it is nearly impossible to do that surrounded by excess decorative “stuff”. Americans are waking up to the power of living with less, buying quality over quantity and buying “American Made”. Sorry Homegoods, Walmart and Pier One but your days might be limited.

and the second one is GREEN DESIGN

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I have seen a huge change in attitude even from a few years ago concerning going “green”. Almost ALL my clients today insist on low or no VOC paint where just 3 years ago they went for price first and environment and air quality second. I read that Whole Foods had their best year yet and we all know how pricey Whole Foods is. People are concerned now like never before about their health, their families health and the Planets health. Recycled, and re-purposed furniture and accessories continues to grow in popularity year after year. Main stream stores like Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate and Barrel and Restoration Hardware are all pushing sustainable and recycled items.

Dining Table From Restoration Hardware reclaimed wood collection

I think the best thing about living with less and Green design is that it seems to have created a renewed interest and energy around decorating and design. Home owners are taking charge of their home, asking the right questions and living in a more authentic and sustainable way. The popularity of D.I.Y. blogs, design TV shows and readily available “designer” items on the internet has opened design to everyone. The old way of decorating is changing and I believe it is all for the good.

What do you think? Do you agree with my 2 design trend Predictions or do you think in 2020 we will be tired of living with less and dream of the excess of the past.

If you would like some help putting your decorating vision together or help choosing the perfect paint color to complete your room, give me a call.

I am not sure when the trend of Lights on Steroids actually began but if you are looking for new ( and current) lighting, you don’t have a lot of choice but to go big or go home. “Super Size Me” home lighting has not only undergone a bigger is better design transformation but lighting design has evolved from functional into functional and LOOK AT ME !!

Check out this “Master Sea Light” from the current Restoration Hardware catalog.

Master Sea Light Restoration Hardware

Seriously, do we need a light that looks like it actually could illuminate the Sea just in order to read the newspaper?

Or how about these giant Corinthian Floor lamps also from the same catalog.

Yikes!

Seems to me, with all the talk about Downsizing and and less is more movement, the lighting companies are a little too late to the bigger is better party of the early 2000’s. The appeal of the 10,000+ sq. ft. McMansions (where these lights would look right at home) is definitely wanning.

Even when the base itself is of moderate size, the shades are super sized, like this one from West Elm.

West Elm woven veneer floor lamp

Or this one from Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel Magnum lamp

Having said all this…The one “bigger is better” light trend I do LOVE are the big hanging ceiling lights. They look SO great, don’t take up any floor space and add such personality to a room.

Talk about a statement!

Check out this beauty in Kelsey Grammer’s dining room.

Kelsey Grammer's dining room

I just adore this simply furnished white bedroom with this fabulous hanging light(s)

And just think how cute these plastic Beach Ball lights would look hanging from a Cathedral ceiling of a beach house where the interior was painted all bright white.

As you can guess, most of these huge hanging statement lights come with an equally huge statement price tag. I think this one from IKEA though is so much fun and the price is only $49.99. I would definitely consider it…if only I had tall ceilings!

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on Super Sized lighting.